SKS Magazine Question

So what's the deal?
There are some with a magazine that you load like the Mosin-Nagant that can't be removed and there are others with detachable magazines.

Are they different models of the SKS and if so what distinguishes them? Or is it as simple as removing the standard box magazine assembly and that gives you the ability to use the detachable magazines?

No you cannot change from fixed mag to a AK mag without lots of custom smithing'. You can on the other hand use "duckbill" detachable mags, but they are not very reliable.

zstephens13

September 1, 2011, 02:24 AM

So the standard 20" with fixed magazine, you can remove the fixed magazine and use the "duckbill" magazines?

jiminhobesound

September 1, 2011, 03:08 AM

I read a lot before I bought my Russian SKS. Everything I read said do not mess with the gun if you want it yo reliably function. I did not try to modify it to accept detachable magazines but instead bought a bunch of stripper clips. I can carry many more rounds in stripper clips than I could in magazines. The stripper clips only hold ten rounds so a higher capacity mag would probably be capable of firing more rounds in a short period of time. Stripper clips each cost about fifty cents to a dollar and the quality control is pretty good. I had to discard one of twenty.

Mick_W

September 1, 2011, 03:13 AM

You have to be careful when switching from fixed mags to the duckbill or any detachable mag because that alone violates laws. read up on 922r. There are things you can do to make it legal to use the detachable mags, I have some that feed reliably but have the fixed mag in place since my sks is in such good condition and I don't currently want to change anything on it.

Also, with stripper clips I recently purchased 560 rounds of ammo already on stripper clips for the same price as 560 rounds without clips. So I got 56 free stripper clips.

zstephens13

September 1, 2011, 03:27 AM

Thanks, i do appreciate your comments but the question hasn't been answered.
Is it possible to remove the attached magazine and use the duckbill magazines?
I'm not asking reliability or cost, just simply, "How is it done?"

Mick_W

September 1, 2011, 03:34 AM

Remove bolt, remove trigger assembly, mag then just comes right out. You the reinstall everything except the mag. Some need light sanding in magwell to fit the duckbill mag, but that is about it.

zstephens13

September 1, 2011, 04:08 AM

Thanks Mick. That's exactly what I was looking for.

And thanks for the suggestion Jeff, but I've already got an AK. :)

Mick_W

September 1, 2011, 04:09 AM

I got my sks for $290 a few months back and it is in as good condition as any brand new firearm I have purchased. For me I prefer the sks to the ak for one I shoot much better with it. Bottom line is the op should get what he likes. But if you are just going to convert to be as close to a ak as possible then yeah might as well go with the ak.

Sky

September 1, 2011, 08:57 AM

If I remember right someone sells a a kit that will let the SKS shoot mags where the Duckbill has been cut off. Check on youtube. I do not remember if after installing the kit mags other than the modified duckbill could be used.

Sky

September 1, 2011, 09:19 AM

Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words. There are several vids on youtube where the rifle is cleaned with the mag removed. Seems like if I remember correctly there are vids showing how to modify and remove the bill from the duckbill mag making it easier to handle. I have to agree the stripper clip rounds are the fastest and easiest to carry for me. Aimsurplus had Yugo ammo on strippers for $189 (1120 rounds??) a while back. That is some really good shooting ammo. Also "survivors sks board" has some info.

ball3006

September 1, 2011, 11:02 AM

Leave the stock mag in. If you can't get out of any situation with 10 rounds, you need to think about your venue. Also, practice should be commenced as soon as possible. The 30 round mags are for those guys that want to show off at the range and blow alot of money on ammo.....chris3

zstephens13

September 1, 2011, 03:15 PM

Chris3,
I'm going to have to wholeheartedly disagree.
Does that mean we should only have 10 round AR-15 and AK-47?
Every person who owns a 30 round magazine likes to blow money and show off?
This isn't holding a lot of water...

ball3006

September 1, 2011, 04:38 PM

Yo zstephens13............I am not saying to limit a rifle to 10 rounds, just keep the stock mag. As to my "blow off alot of ammo" comment. I just go by what I see at ranges and postings. Besides, re read my post. I was saying that if you are in a situation where gunplay is conducted, to need more than 10 rounds to get out of it means you need to practice more so you don't need to expose yourself to continued rifle fire because you can't shoot worth a d............chris3

zstephens13

September 1, 2011, 06:24 PM

....What?
If I was in a gunfight, it would be with a pistol because:
1. I am a civilian.
2. I always have a pistol on me.
3. I don't carry an SKS with me.

Additionally:
1. What if a gang attacked your house, 12 of them? What good will 10 rounds do you then? How much do you have to practice to incapacitate 4 targets with 2 rounds and 8 targets with 8 rounds?
2. If you find yourself in a situation in which the use of a rifle to defend yourself, you've real big problems. Personally, I would be thinking, "I need to get out of this situation!" It would be really unlikely to think, "I should have practiced more," or "I wonder if the magazine capacity of this weapon is ample to handle this situation."
3. If you have a 10 round magazine, you have 10 rounds. If you have a 20 round magazine, you have 10 rounds twice in a row. If you have a 30 round magazine, you have 10 rounds three times in a row. If both are reliable, there is no advantage to only have 10 rounds instead of 20 or 30 rounders.

Lastly, did you just say I can't shoot worth a damn?

sarduy

September 1, 2011, 06:36 PM

So the standard 20" with fixed magazine, you can remove the fixed magazine and use the "duckbill" magazines?
yes

sarduy

September 1, 2011, 06:39 PM

Thanks, i do appreciate your comments but the question hasn't been answered.
Is it possible to remove the attached magazine and use the duckbill magazines?
I'm not asking reliabilibor cost, just simply, "How is it done?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlhQesE3NuI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPQYBn98HNE

zstephens13

September 1, 2011, 07:00 PM

Thank you sarduy.

sig220mw

September 1, 2011, 07:52 PM

reliabilibor?

WVleo

September 2, 2011, 07:52 AM

Yes You can change alot about the standard SKS and it's still 100% reliable contrary to what others may say. This one has been 100% reliable with all 4 tapco 20 round magazines and the Tapco 5 round magazine for hunting use. You must comply with 922r for the fed, but they even sell compliance kits. The SKS is no sacred cow that needs worship as there were millions made and after all they are only a tool ! A Commie one at that LOL !....WVleo